My mother wasn’t a very sappy woman, but she loved to create heirlooms and save memories. Now that I have my own little one, and my mother has passed away, I find myself wanting to hold on to every little moment and every little thing as well, because I know how infinitely valuable those relics will be years from now.

About two years ago, when I was going through a box of things from my mom’s old apartment, I came across a letter that she had written to me when I was in high school. “Life is short,” she said. I know my high-school self had dismissed the sentiment, but my hands shook as I read it and cried.  Continue reading →